Hosting a private event in Corsica: birthday, christening, hen party (up to 50 guests)

Le Relais U Machjonu in Tolla was designed as a large family home. When you privatise it for an event, you are not renting a "venue" with strict hours and constraints: you get the keys to the house, the terrace facing the lake, the big dining table, the library, and full freedom to do what you want, when you want. That is what makes it one of the most appreciated places in southern Corsica for human-scale private events. Here is our complete guide to making yours a success.

Which private events can you host at the Relais?

Milestone birthday (30, 40, 50, 60...) — up to 50 guests

Milestone birthdays (30, 40, 50, 60) mark a stage of life that deserves more than a restaurant dinner. At the Relais, two formats are possible: the intimate version (8-10 close friends in full privatisation, a full weekend on site) or the extended version (up to around 50 daytime guests with a marquee in the garden). In both cases, you get the terrace facing the lake, the big table, the Corsican aperitivo at sunset, and the option for the 10 closest guests to spend the night. See our dedicated guide on birthdays in Corsica for the detailed programme.

Christening — extended family up to 50 people

For a christening in Corsica, the Relais adapts to the size of your family — from an intimate meal (12-15 people at the big table) to an extended christening with relatives, godparents and friends (up to around 50 people in a garden marquee). The religious ceremony can be held in one of the beautiful churches of the valley (Tolla, Ocana, Bastelica), followed by the meal on the terrace or under the marquee. Grandparents enjoy the quiet, children have room to play in the garden, and the 10 closest guests can stay overnight on site. See our dedicated guide on christenings in Corsica.

Hen party

Hen parties in Corsica have boomed in recent years: it has become a top destination for 8-10 friends who want a weekend that goes beyond the usual Marrakech / Lisbon. Our most requested format: Friday arrival and aperitivo on the terrace, Saturday horse ride or kayak followed by a themed dinner, Sunday morning yoga and brunch. See our dedicated guide on hen parties in Corsica.

Bachelor weekend

For a more high-energy bachelor weekend, the Relais combines well with sportier activities: full-on canyoning down the Prunelli, demanding hikes, race-pace kayaking, or even a one-night bivouac. The calm of the place also lends itself to quieter moments (poker at the big table, whisky tasting, cigar and Cap Corse evening). Bachelor groups particularly appreciate the total privacy that full privatisation provides.

Family or friends reunion

Siblings reuniting once a year, childhood friends rebuilding a group, distant cousins who want to spend a weekend together: the Relais is ideal for those moments when you just want to "be together" with no constraints. The house comes alive on its own — terrace, kitchen, board games in the library, walks.

Intimate wedding / secular ceremony

For an intentionally small wedding (10-15 people for the ceremony + 25-30 for the dinner), the Relais can be fully privatised. The terrace serves as a secular ceremony space facing the lake, dinner is held at the big table (extendable), and the newlyweds get the quietest suite for their first night. A format to organise at least 6 months in advance.

Baby shower, engagement, retirement party, promotion celebration...

All of life's milestones have their place here, as long as the format stays human-scale. If your event is larger (40+ people), we can help you scout local providers for the daytime guests, while keeping the Relais as the core of the weekend.

Capacity and possible setups

• Accommodation: 10 people sleeping (2 dormitories that can be reconfigured into semi-private rooms).
• Meals at the big table: 12-14 people comfortably, up to 18 in a tight setup.
• Aperitivo on the terrace: 25-30 people easily, standing.
• Secular ceremony on the terrace: 30-40 people seated.
• Birthday / christening under a marquee: **up to about 50 people** in the garden (marquee to be rented from a local supplier, included in the quote).

Pricing and private event packages

Meals are extra: breakfast €9/person, optional dinner at €30 per person, single daily menu, local produce, and optional Corsican aperitivo (charcuterie + cheeses + wine + Cap Corse) at €25/person. For more elaborate events (birthday or christening up to 50 guests, intimate wedding), we work with local chefs, caterers and marquee rental partners and put together a custom quote.

How does it actually work?

Here are our steps to make sure your event is a success without stress:

1. First contact (email or phone) with the planned date, number of guests, type of event and approximate budget.
2. Detailed quote sent within 48 hours with a proposed programme.
3. 30% deposit to lock in the dates (paid on signing the quote).
4. Phone meeting one month before to finalise the menu, the activities and any external providers (musician, photographer, kids entertainer).
5. Final brief one week before: schedule, contacts, transfers.
6. On the day: you arrive, we hand over the keys, we stay reachable in case of need without being intrusive.
7. Balance paid on departure.

Providers we can scout for you

Depending on your needs, we can scout locally and organise on demand:

• A musician (guitar-vocals, piano-vocals, DJ for the evening).
• A photographer or videographer for the weekend.
• A kids entertainer if the family group is larger.
• A yoga coach for Sunday morning.
• A private chef for a large gourmet dinner.
• A wine merchant for a Corsican wine tasting.
• A florist to decorate the table or the ceremony.
• A marquee and equipment supplier for larger events.